Five Simple Ways to Practice Self Care

Sometimes, life can feel overwhelming and stressful. Trying to balance work, relationships, health and everything in between can really take its toll. That’s why practising self care is so important. There are small things you can do every day to help you mentally unwind and avoid feeling burnt out. Here’s five simple ways to practice self care:

1. Learn a New Skill

You know that thing you’ve always wanted to do? Do it. Maybe you’ve always wanted to try a salsa dance class. Or, maybe you’d love to learn French. Developing a new skill is a fantastic way to take your mind off the mundane for a bit and keep your brain sharp and engaged. It also can be a huge self esteem booster due to the sense of accomplishment you gain from learning something new.

2. Get Outside

Go for a walk outside and take in the views; the sky, the trees, the sound and feel of the wind. You’ll feel so incredibly refreshed in no time! Getting outside everyday will also help you get the recommended dosage of Vitamin D. Did you know that your Vitamin D levels can affect your mood? Studies have shown that it can increase the levels of serotonin, which controls the moods in your brain. So, go outside and be happy!

3. Be Active

Sitting around for long periods of time is not good for us; our bodies are designed to be active. Research shows that regular physical activity improves your muscular and cardio-respiratory fitness. What’s more, it reduces your risk for several diseases including high blood pressure and heart disease. To benefit your health, aim for at least half an hour of exercise a day.

4. Unplug

In this digital age, we’re always connected. There’s nothing wrong with social media, but the problem is that it can be highly addictive; many of us can find ourselves spending countless hours scrolling through our favourite social media apps. If this sounds like you, then every so often switch everything to airplane mode to escape from the constant pings of social media and emails. Without the distractions, you’ll have more time to do the things you enjoy.

5. Get Enough Sleep

If you’re constantly on-the-go all week, then catching up on your ZZZ’s may be the best form of self care for you. Sleep is so critical; not getting enough each night can really catch up on you and interfere with your productivity and focus. So, make sure you’re getting the recommended 7-9 hours each night.